Which species has the highest possible pulse rate range among those listed?

Which species has the highest possible pulse rate range among those listed?

• A. Dog
• B. Rabbit
• C. Ferret
• D. Cat

Answer: (C)

Pulse rate is driven by metabolism and body size: smaller, highly active animals tend to have faster heart rates and a wider range of rates they can exhibit. Ferrets fit this pattern with a cardiovascular system that operates at a high level and can spike quickly with activity or stress. Because of this, their pulse rate can reach very high values and show a broad range, typically higher than the other listed species. Dogs and cats have lower upper limits, and while rabbits can be quite fast, the ferret is the one most commonly cited as having the highest possible pulse rate range among these options.

Pulse rate is driven by metabolism and body size: smaller, highly active animals tend to have faster heart rates and a wider range of rates they can exhibit. Ferrets fit this pattern with a cardiovascular system that operates at a high level and can spike quickly with activity or stress. Because of this, their pulse rate can reach very high values and show a broad range, typically higher than the other listed species. Dogs and cats have lower upper limits, and while rabbits can be quite fast, the ferret is the one most commonly cited as having the highest possible pulse rate range among these options.